Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Simplest of Gifts



Their eyes were giddy with excitement at the thought of cookie dough. I had them each pull up a stool to help mix the ingredients. Such simple ways to celebrate the season. All I had said was,

"Let's put on some Christmas music and make cookies!"

With cheers of delight they scurried down the stairs, so ready to soak in the joy of the moment.

It challenges me to see their eager hearts and open hands, ready to receive a gift.

Do I so willingly rush to the manger to see the child? Do we find the gift in even the smallest of joys?

As we rolled our favorite holiday cookies, I thought of how precious of a memory we were forming in our own lives. To see the gifts of the season, in the simplest of ways...lights on the houses, bells ringing out front of grocery stores, people humming carols to themselves as they look for treats for the under the tree... might I find these gifts today.

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As promised the recipes from this weekend's dessert:

noel nut balls
(a.k.a. Snowballs, Mexican Wedding Cakes)

2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Sift flour, sugar, and salt together. Work in butter and vanilla. Add 2 cups of pecans and mix well. Form into 1/2 in. balls and place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 8-10 min. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm. So cute in cupcake liners and wrapped up for a gift! Or beautiful set out on trays.

MY NEW FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREAT!!!
(i love this recipe, because they are divine and only 3 ingredients!!)


mint oreo truffles

1 package mint oreos (finely crushed)
1 package cream cheese (softened)
2 packages of semi sweet chocolate squares, melted (chips work fine as well)

Crush oreos in plastic bag (or food processor) and place in large mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese and mix well. Form into 1 in. balls. Then roll (or dip) in melted chocolate. (this is the only tricky part...using a spoon and kind of rolling it in the chocolate was easiest for us). Refrigerate for at least 20 min. to harden. (NO BAKING REQUIRED!)

chocolate covered strawberries

melt semi sweet chocolate chips, and dip strawberries in chocolate. stick in the fridge until time for party...then put on a pretty tray, and voila! your party just got fancy.

(picture credits: http://www.goodeatsblog.com/2007/12/oreo-truffles.html)

9 comments:

  1. Sweet post. Can't wait to try that yummy recipe!!

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  2. i think for us parents, we are sometimes too busy creating the mood and decorating the manger to see what lies within... guilty. guilty but trying to find my way. merry christmas!

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  3. Visiting from Tuesdays Unwrapped...

    These look absolutely scrumptious!

    Merry Christmas!

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  4. Stopping by from Tuesdays Unwrapped. I want to treasure those memories too. What a blessed reminder. And girl -- those pics of those goodies and making me hun.gry!!! Blessings.

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  5. Everything looks so good! I'll have to try a few of these. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Great recipes. You know one of the best Christmas memories is cooking with the kids. Stopping by from Tuesday unwrapped.

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  7. Sweet:) I'm always in such a rush that I forget to let the kids get involved. Such a simple change that will make all the difference.

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  8. I love those mint oreo truffles. I made them last year. Thanks for these recipes!

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  9. Mmmmm, love those mint oreo truffles! Such a sweet post :)

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